Sustainable Tourism Training Program

Sustainable Tourism
Training Program
Sustainability as a Competitive Edge
Tailored Training Options for Businesses

GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program
ABOUTTHE
GLOBAL
SUSTAINABLE
TOURISM
COUNCIL
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is the global expert in
standards for sustainable tourism. Founded in 2008 through collaborative
efforts by sustainability leaders from UNEP, UNWTO, the UN Foundation and
the Rainforest Alliance, the GSTC is an independent not-for-profit
organization (registered in the USA as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization)
pursuing the goals of:
· Promoting sustainable tourism knowledge and practices;
· Facilitating the adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles; and
· Building demand for sustainable travel.
At the core of this work is the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, a frame-
work to ensure the sustainability of tourism businesses and destinations
across the globe.
“UNWTO has made it clear that
with the predicted growth of
tourism (1.8 billion international
tourists in 2030), embracing
sustainability is not an option,
but a necessity.”
Luigi Cabrini, Chair, Global
Sustainable Tourism Council /
Advisor on Sustainability,
UNWTO Secretary-General
GSTC INDUSTRY CRITERIA (GSTC-INDUSTY)
The GSTC Industry Criteria (GSTC-Industry) have been initially created for the
accommodation and tour operation sectors, developed through analyses
of 4,500 criteria and 60 certifications systems, and with the input of over
2,000 stakeholders. The latest edition of the GSTC-Industry (updated in 2016)
includes separate indicators for hotels and for tour operators, and other
sub-sectors can be created (e.g. cruise, MICE, aviation, etc.), enhancing the
applicability of the standard to the entire tourism industry.
The GSTC-Industry is a globally recognized set of sustainable tourism prin-
ciples and performance indicators that can be used by tourism businesses to:
· Guide various sustainable business practices, from product development
to supply chain management.
· Assist sustainability training and skills development efforts, helping im-
prove employee sustainability performance.
· Communicate to customers and to the media about sustainable business
practices more effectively.

PARTNERS&SUPPORTERS
PROGRAM PARTNER TRAINING PARTNERS, STTP TRAINING CLASS SPONSORS
FOR TOURISM BRANDS & HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES
Based on the GSTC Industry Criteria and guided by practical insights from
leading sustainable tourism experts, the GSTC STTP offers tailored cur-
riculum based on your company’s specific needs and goals, and helps you
improve your sustainability practices through tangible actions that fulfill
the globally recognized standard of sustainability best practices.
GLOBAL AUTHORITY ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
The GSTC is a UN-endorsed independent organization recognized for our
critical role as the global leader in providing guidance for the development
and management of sustainability in tourism. Based on our expensive
knowledge base, the GSTC STTP offers both global and regional perspec-
tives to help your business achieve your sustainability action goals.
FROM WORDS TO ACTIONS, TO LONG-TERM IMPACTS
The objective of the GSTC STTP is not to offer a one-time exercise of review-
ing what should be done; rather, we will work with you towards tangible
and meaningful goals, focusing on the long-term benefits of sustainable
tourism policies and practices and assisting your business to successfully
achieve sustainability performance goals over time.
Want to improve your company's
sustainability performance?
The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training
Program (STTP) offers practical insights
and expert guidance to assist tourism
businesses implement effective steps
and achieve tangible performance goals.
Whether you’re working to build a foun-
dation or seeking to take your sustain-
ability impact to the next level, our team
of international experts will provide the
guidance, support and resources needed
to achieve your training and capacity
building goals.
GSTC
TRAININGFOR
BUSINESSES

The GSTC offers tailored training options to meet your organization’s specific needs and to accommodate various learning
and capacity building requirements based on the desired training outcomes.
**Group Size can be adjusted depending on the training objectives.
***We work with one lead trainer per group, and can provide additional trainer(s) according to training needs.
* We also offer some flexibility with the training duration; e.g. 2-day instead of 3-day class, or 1-day instead of 1/2-day seminar.
PAGE 4GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program
OVERVIEW: TRAINING AND CERTIFICATES
The basic package price of a seminar or a classroom training session cover the trainer(s) fee, GSTC STTP training fee (licens-
ing fee for curriculum, brand and certificate), and GSTC administrative and operational costs. In addition to the Training Fee,
the following associated costs must be covered: venue rental, meals and breaks, travel and accommodation for the trainers.
As part of the planning process, the GSTC will submit a detailed budget including explanations of fixed rates and per-person
costs. For the online training option, the Training Fee per group includes the platform- and hosting-related costs (technical
support, server fees).
All training participants who complete the 3-day onsite training or 4-week online training classes of the GSTC STTP will have
the opportunity to take the STTP exam, which is offered online and available for one month after the training class comple-
tion. Following the exam, those who achieve the passing mark (75% and higher) will receive a Certificate in Sustainable Tour-
ism by the GSTC.
GSTC Certificate in Sustainable Tourism
Training Fees
Size**
Trainer***
Minimum 5 Minimum 8
1 Trainer 1 Trainer +
1/2 Day 3 DaysDuration*
Certificate of
Completion
Yes
Minimum 8
1 Trainer +
4 Weeks
GSTC Certificate in
Sustainable Tourism
YesYes
-
Exam
+ Certificate
Exam
+ Certificate
Face-to-Face Face-to-FaceStyle Live & On-Demand
GSTC Training Fee
(Basic Package Price
per Group)
Starting at
US$1,650
Starting at
US$5,400
Starting at
US$5,400
Your
Training
Roadmap
Small-group introductory
training seminar focused on
your big-picture goals.
2. Intensive
Classroom Training
3. Online
Interactive Training
1. Seminar
In-depth training on sustainable
tourism standards, supporting
your sustainability strategy and
action plans.
Practical online training for your
extended team, focused on your
long-term sustainability
performance targets.

1/2-DAY SEMINAR
Our half-day seminar is ideal for travel and tourism businesses seeking to better understand what it means to become a sus-
tainable tourism destination. Recommended for managers and team leaders, the seminar covers:
• Why investing in sustainable tourism practices is important for the sound business growth and development;
• How to utilize the GSTC Industry Criteria as a framework for your company's sustainability action plan;
• How to maximize the benefits of your sustainability actions - for your staff, stakeholders, and customers; and
• Practical insights into sustainable tourism business best practices based on real-life examples and lessons.
The half-day seminar is designed as a 3-4 hour program. Depending on your organization's needs and availability, the program can
be extended to cover a broader scope and be delivered as a one-day seminar.
A short small-group session focused on select best practice cases and key sustainable tourism
approaches.
SAMPLE AGENDA
Part I. Business Case for Sustainable Tourism
• Relevant industry and consumer trends: opportunities for tourism industry businesses.
• Tangible benefits and advantages of sustainability practices beyond cost-saving.
• The roles of the GSTC in global travel and tourism development: mission, history and guiding principles.
Part II. Understanding and Implementing the GSTC Industry Criteria
• The GSTC Industry Criteria as a framework to support business-wide sustainability visions and strategies.
• Lessons and best practices in building and implementing an effective action plan.
• Understanding the team member and stakeholder roles in turning sustainability goals into tangible performance outcomes.
Building a culture of sustainability:
• Developing and implementing a long-term sustainabil-
ity management system.
• Making sustainability a core value reflected on organiza-
tion-wide policies and practices.
• Engaging leadership, staff, stakeholders and partners in
sustainability actions.
Customer engagement and satisfaction:
• Effective communications and customer service strate-
gies for engaging customers in sustainability efforts.
• Accurate and transparent promotion of your products
and services, including sustainability claims.
• Measuring customer satisfaction and properly address-
ing concerns regarding customer experience.
Part III. Business Sustainability Key Issues & Best Practices
Interactive discussions and brainstorming sessions on some of the key aspects of sustainable tourism business development
and management, with the goal of helping your company identify sustainability training and skill building needs, and the
steps for creating a plan for addressing those needs in the short-, medium- and long-term. These topics may include:
Managing environmental impacts:
• Effectively measuring the environmental footprint of
your business operations.
• Resource conservation and management practices.
• Playing an active role in local conservation efforts.
Community support and services:
• Supporting local sustainable community development
efforts through social, educational, economic and enviro-
mental initiatives.
• Supporting local entrepreneurs through tourism
opportunities.
• Operating responsibly to minimize negative impact on
local livelihoods.

3-DAY INTENSIVE CLASSROOM TRAINING
In-depth training on sustainable tourism standards and best practices, supporting your company's
sustainability strategy and action plan.
Offered as a 3-day-long intensive and interactive training class, our onsite training sessions offer a unique opportunity to
gain an in-depth understanding of the GSTC Industry Criteria and performance indicators. Incorporating case studies and
best practice examples relevant to tourism businesses, the training class provides practical insights that will help you make
informed decisions on how to implement sustainability actions, and establish viable plans and strategies for your company.
Training class highlights include:
· Knowledge and expertise representing the GSTC as the global authority on quality sustainable tourism standards.
· Stimulating and rewarding learning experience, with practical insights and tangible lessons on sustainability practices.
· Opportunity to earn the GSTC-endorsed Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.
In order to prepare for an in-depth discussions on the GSTC
Criteria, the global baseline standard for sustainable tour-
ism practices, the training class starts with painting the big-
picture of what sustainable tourism is, why it matters and
how it presents unique opportunities for tourism industry
stakeholders around the world.
Learning Goals:
• Discuss global trends and issues in sustainable tourism,
and their practical relevance to your business.
• Understand the roles of the GSTC and the GSTC Criteria.
• Through trainer presentations, case studies and group
discussions, become familiar with key sustainability
management practices (GSTC-Industry Section A).
Continuing on the discussions and expert presentations on
how tourism businesses can develop and manage viable
sustainability strategies, the key lessons on the second day
focus on the socioeconomic and cultural impacts of tour-
ism activities, and how your business can mitigate negative
impacts and maximize positive benefits.
Learning Goals:
• Gain professional insights into best practices in manag-
ing socioeconomic impacts of tourism (GSTC-Industry
Section B) and how tourism businesses can positively
contribute to local well-being (GSTC-Industry Section C).
• Practice applying theory to practice through a guest
presentation and/or field session demonstrating real-
world challenges and opportunities.
In addition to discussing best practices around resource
efficiency, conservation efforts and climate impacts, the
training class explores specific examples of implementing
sustainability principles in action, through market-based
solutions, organization-wide collaboration and industry
partnerships.
Learning Goals:
• Deepen understanding of the environmental footprint
of tourism activities, and explore relevant solutions
(GSTC-Industry Section D).
• Through scenario exercises and group discussions,
strengthen understanding of how the GSTC-Industry
Criteria can be implemented as a practical tool.
SAMPLE AGENDA
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
STTP Exam (Optional)
All training participants have the opportunity to take the online STTP exam and to receive, upon successful completion (75%
pass mark required), a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism by the GSTC.

4-WEEK ONLINE INTERACTIVE TRAINING
Practical online training for your extended team, focused on your company's long-term
sustainability performance targets.
Delivered as a flexible and interactive online course over a period of four weeks, our online interactive training class combines
the convenience of online learning with the benefits of facilitated group learning experience to optimize results for busy pro-
fessionals. Incorporating both on-demand and live modules, these 4-week courses feature practical lessons by expert trainers,
hands-on activities to help you apply what you’ve learned right away, and various opportunities for real-time interactions that
will make your learning experience more engaging and effective.
Key highlights of the online training classes include:
· A cost effective way of expanding on previous training steps and extending access to training opportunities for your team.
· A flexible learning environment where team members from various locations can join and share progress with each other.
· Opportunity to earn the GSTC-endorsed Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.
Week 1
SAMPLE AGENDA
The first module provides an introduction to the GSTC Cri-
teria, the definition and principles of sustainable tourism,
sustainability best practices for businesses, and the GSTC's
roles in the global tourism industry.
Learning Goals:
• Understand the roles of the GSTC and the GSTC Criteria.
• Learn about and discuss relevant issues and trends.
• Become familiar with sustainable management prin-
ciples and practices (GSTC-Industry Section A).
The goal of the second week is both to dive deeper into the
GSTC Criteria and to discuss practical steps to applying the
Criteria in the real-world context, focused on understand-
ing the socioeconomic impacts of tourism activities, and on
effective strategies for reducing negative impacts.
Learning Goals:
• Discuss practical application of the GSTC Industry Crite-
ria through a business case study.
• Discuss sustainable management best practices.
• Understand business sustainability practices related to
socioeconomic impacts of tourism (GSTC-Industry Sec-
tion B).
Continuing on with lessons and expert presentations on
GSTC-Industry Criteria, this week focuses on how tour-
ism businesses can minimize negative impacts, maximize
benefits to local communities and protect cultural heritage
through sustainable tourism.
Learning Goals:
• Discuss best practices on reducing negative social, eco-
nomic and cultural impacts of tourism activities.
• Understand sustainability practices related to tour-
ism's benefits for communities, visitors and local cultures
(GSTC-Industry Section C).
In the fourth and last module of the course, key strategies
for reducing tourism businesses' environmental footprint
are presented, and a hands-on exercise on sustainable tour-
ism action steps is offered in a 'breakout group' setting.
Learning Goals:
• Understand sustainability best practices related to envi-
ronmental impacts (GSTC-Industry Section D).
• Learn and discuss how to apply the GSTC-Industry Crite-
ria from various stekeholder perspectives.
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
STTP Exam (Optional)
All training participants have the opportunity to take the online STTP exam and to receive, upon successful completion (75%
pass mark required), a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism by the GSTC.

GSTC-STTP TRAINING TEAM
The GSTC works with sustainable tourism training experts from around the world who serve as official GSTC Trainers of the
GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program. With our global team of trainers, the GSTC delivers Sustainable Tourism Training
classes in several languages in addition to English.
Antje Martins
Customer Service & Training
Manager, EarthCheck
Language:
English, German
Regions of Operation:
Asia Pacific, Europe
Natalia Naranjo
GSTC Board Member; Country
Representative, Canadian
Executive Service Overseas in
Colombia
Languages:
Spanish, English
South America
Jorge Moller
GSTC Board Member & Coun-
try Representative;
Owner, Darwin’s Trails Chile
Languages:
Spanish, English
South America
Julian Matthews
Founder, Tour Operators for
Tigers (TOFTigers)
Language:
English
India, UK
Steve Noakes
Chair, Pacific Asia Tourism
Pty Ltd.; Director, Ecolodges
Indonesia
Language:
English
Asia Pacific, Scandinavia
Ayako Ezaki
GSTC Training Director;
Head of Knowledge Manage-
ment & Communications,
TrainingAid
Languages:
English, Japanese
Europe, East Asia
Dr. Mihee Kang
GSTC Board Member and
Country Representative;
Research Professor, Seoul
University
Languages:
Korean, English
East Asia, Southeast Asia
Dr. D’Arcy Dornan
GSTC Country Representative;
Founder, Tourism, Hospitality
& Education Solutions
Languages:
Portoguese, French, English
Latin America

In addition to the GSTC Trainers, GSTC-STTP is supported by the Education and Training Working Group, which provides advice on training
program development and training-related opportunities. The current member of the Working Group are:
• Herbert Hamele (ECOTRANS, Germany)
• Naut Kusters (Travelife for Tour Operators, The
Netherlands)
• Benjamin Liliphilibert (Light Blue Consulting, Thailand)
• Antje Martins (EarthCheck, Australia)
• Jorge Moller (Darwin’s Trails, Chile)
• David Randle (University of South Florida, USA)
• CB Ramkumar (Green Dreams for the Planet, India) - Chair
• Rosemary Black (Charles Sturt University, Australia) -
Vice Chair
• Ayako Ezaki (TrainingAid, Germany) - Vice Chair
• Kelly Bricker (University of Utah, USA)
• Christina Cavaliere (Stockton University, USA)
• D’Arcy Dornan (Tourism, Hospitality & Education Solutions, Brazil)
Education and Training Working Group
Dr. Alan Wong
Lecturer and China MSc Pro-
gram Leader, School of Hotel
& Tourism Management,
The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University
Language:
Chinese, English
East Asia
CB Ramkumar
try Representative;
Director, Green Dreams for
the Planet
Language:
English
South Asia
Dr. Ioannis Pappas
try Representative;
Co-Founder, Green Evolution
SA
Languages:
English, Greek
Europe
Dr. Anna Spenceley
GSTC Accreditation Panel
Member; Chair, IUCN Tourism
and Protected Areas Special-
ist Group
Language:
English
Southern Africa, Eastern
Africa, Europe
Susan Santos de
Cárdenas
GSTC Country Representative;
President and CEO, Society
for Sustainable Tourism &
Development
Languages:
English, Tagalog
Southeast Asia
Kathleen Pessolano
GSTC Director of Destina-
tions Program and Associate
Technical Director
Language:
English
North America, Latin America

GSTC-STTP TRAINING PARTNERS
The GSTC works with Training Partners - destination organizations, governments, industry associations and other
organizations in various regions that support the GSTC's mission - to increase sustainable tourism knowledge and practice.
Our Training Partners offer the official GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training classes on behalf of the GSTC, and collaborates with
our STTP team on relevant training initiatives.
Asian Ecotourism Network
Region: Asia Pacific
Lead Trainers: Mihee Kang (South Korea), Masaru Takayama (Japan)
Authorized Trainers: Kazuhiro Arai (Japan), Mami Futagami (Japan),
Susan Santos de Cárdenas (Philippines)
Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
Country: Thailand
Lead Trainer: Wanvipa Phanumat
Authorized Trainers: Nuchsara Thianchai, Piyanat Klaiduan
Mt. Huangshan Scenic Area Administrative Committee (HSAC)
Region: Huangschan, China
Lead Trainer: Zhang Yangzhi
Authorized Trainers: He Difeng, Cheng Jingming
Botswana Tourism Organization
Country: Botswana
Lead Trainer: Tshoganetso Carl-Ponoesele
Authorized Trainer: Thatayaone Mmapatsi
Infinity Travel Group
Region: Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, People's Republic of China
Lead Trainer: Dr. Lewis Cheung
Authorized Trainers: Fui Cheung, Derek Tse
Green Evolution
Region: Southeast Europe
Lead Trainer: Dr. Ioannis Pappas
Authorized Trainer: Dr. Ioannis Karampasis

GET IN TOUCH WITH US
BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT EXAMPLES
Infinity Travel: Ecotours, Nature Educa-
tion and Geological Tours in China and
Beyond
SEGURA Consulting: Tourism Develop-
ment & Economic Growth in the Western
Balkans
Ayako Ezaki
GSTC Training Director
training@gstcouncil.org
Randy Durban
GSTC CEO
ceo@gstcouncil.org
"Learning about the practices and solutions
for increasing sustainability of the tourism in-
dustry (individual facilities and designations)
is of utmost importance in order to ... secure
long-term sustainability of tourism as an
economic activity in our region. Through the
GSTC training, I've learned about the options
for introducing sustainability practices and
the certification programs that are credible.
I recommend this training to others in the
industry because making sure our actions
have strong sustainability factors is critical to
contributing to the social and economic well-
being of communities through tourism."
Snjezana Derviskadic
Tourism Team Leader,
SEGURA Consulting LLC
"GSTC training has helped me transfer
my knowledge to the management staff
in our organization as we have adopted
GSTC guidelines in our overall opera-
tions. It enhances our team to have a
compresenive guidelines and universial
sustainable tourism standard to work
toward.
I would strongly recommend the training
to other industry stakeholders as well as
other tourism destination managers and
communities implementing sustainable
tourism."
Fui Cheung
CEO & President, Infinity
(Int'l) Travel Holdings Ltd.
Learn more about the STTP at: www.gstcouncil.org/en/programs/sustainable-tourism-training

Sustainable Tourism
Training Program
www.gstcouncil.org/en/programs/sustainable-tourism-training

Sustainable Tourism Training Program

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